    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book III)]
    [December 3, 2004]
    [Pages 3040-3041]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Resignation of Tommy G. Thompson as Secretary of Health and Human Services
    December 3, 2004

        I have known Tommy Thompson for many years--first when we served as
    Governors and then as my Secretary of Health and Human Services. He is a
    friend and a true public servant who worked every day to make Americans
    healthier and to help more Americans in need achieve the dream of
    independence and personal responsibility.
        He worked to modernize and add prescription drug coverage to
    Medicare for the first time in the program's history. He focused on
    expanding services to seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income
    Americans. He led the effort to broaden

    [[Page 3041]]

    the network of community health centers across our country and to
    advance the development and use of health information technology.
    Throughout his career as Governor and as Secretary of Health and Human
    Services, Tommy has led efforts to reform welfare laws and help more
    people transition from welfare to work.
        Tommy has been a stalwart member of my homeland security team,
    especially through his contributions to our Nation's response to the
    threat of bioterrorism. And he has done a superb job in our
    compassionate mission of helping those here and abroad fight the scourge
    of the HIV/AIDS virus.
        Tommy served as Governor of Wisconsin for 14 years and has served as
    Secretary of Health and Human Services for 4 years, and I appreciate his
    desire to tackle new challenges. I wish Tommy and Sue Ann all the best.

     Note: The Office of the Press Secretary also made available Secretary
    Thompson's letter of resignation.